Comparison of Residual Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) and Ethylene Glycol (EG) Concentration in Bovine Ovarian Tissue During Warming Steps Between Slow Freezing and Vitrification.

BACKGROUND: DMSO and EG have been used as cryoprotectants for human ovarian tissue cryopreservation, but residual cryoprotectants concentration and safety have rarely been reported. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare residual cryoprotectants (DMSO, EG) concentration in bovine ovarian tissue during warming steps between one kind of common slow freezing method and two kinds of vitrification methods, which are usually used for cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue in Japan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we used five bovine ovaries with an average age of 24.2 months divided into three kinds of cryopreservation methods. All ovarian cortices cut to 1 mm thickness were cryopreserved in slow freezing and two kinds of vitrification methods. Residual cryoprotectants before, during and after warming of cryopreserved ovarian cortices were measured using GC-MS and compared. RESULTS: Concentrations of residual cryoprotectants in the ovarian tissue just before transplantation into the body after warming were high after both vitrification methods but almost zero with the slow freezing method. CONCLUSION: We are concerned about the residual cryoprotectants in ovarian tissue, and continue to study the safety of cryopreservation methods to the woman after reimplantation and her baby.

Detection of copy number variations in epilepsy using exome data.

Epilepsies are common neurological disorders and genetic factors contribute to their pathogenesis. Copy number variations (CNVs) are increasingly recognized as an important etiology of many human diseases including epilepsy. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) is becoming a standard tool for detecting pathogenic mutations and has recently been applied to detecting CNVs. Here, we analyzed 294 families with epilepsy using WES, and focused on 168 families with no causative single nucleotide variants in known epilepsy-associated genes to further validate CNVs using 2 different CNV detection tools using WES data. We confirmed 18 pathogenic CNVs, and 2 deletions and 2 duplications at chr15q11.2 of clinically unknown significance. Of note, we were able to identify small CNVs less than 10 kb in size, which might be difficult to detect by conventional microarray. We revealed 2 cases with pathogenic CNVs that one of the 2 CNV detection tools failed to find, suggesting that using different CNV tools is recommended to increase diagnostic yield. Considering a relatively high discovery rate of CNVs (18 out of 168 families, 10.7%) and successful detection of CNV with <10 kb in size, CNV detection by WES may be able to surrogate, or at least complement, conventional microarray analysis.

Transgelin mediates transforming growth factor-ß1-induced proliferation of human periodontal ligament cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs) express transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) that regulates differentiation and proliferation, and plays key roles in homeostasis of PDL tissue. Transgelin is a cytoskeleton-associated protein with an Smad-binding element in its gene promoter region. In this study, we examined the localization and potential function of transgelin in PDL tissue and cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Microarray analysis of HPDLC lines (2-14, 2-23 and 2-52) was performed. Expression of transgelin in HPDLCs was examined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. Effects of TGF-ß1 and its signaling inhibitor, SB431542, on transgelin expression in HPDLCs were examined by western blot analysis. The effects of transgelin knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) on HPDLC proliferation stimulated by TGF-ß1 were assessed by WST-1 assay. RESULTS: In microarray and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses, the expression levels of transgelin (TAGLN) in 2-14 and 2-23 cells, which highly expressed PDL markers such as periostin (POSTN), tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), α-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) and type I collagen A1 (COL1A1), was significantly higher than those in 2-52 cells that expressed PDL markers weakly. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining revealed expression of transgelin in rat PDL tissue and HPDLCs. In HPDLCs, TGF-ß1 treatment upregulated transgelin expression, whereas inhibition of the type 1 TGF-ß1 receptor by SB431542 suppressed this upregulation. Furthermore, TAGLN siRNA transfection did not promote the proliferation of HPDLCs treated with TGF-ß1. The expression levels of CCNA2 and CCNE1, which regulate DNA synthesis and mitosis through the cell cycle, were also not upregulated in HPDLCs transfected with TAGLN siRNA. CONCLUSION: Transgelin is expressed in PDL tissue and might have a role in HPDLC proliferation induced by TGF-ß1 stimulation.

A nationwide survey of pediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and epidemiologic features of pediatric acquired demyelinating syndromes (ADS) of the CNS in Japan. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide survey and collected clinical data on children with ADS aged 15 years or younger, who visited hospitals between 2005 and 2007. RESULTS: Among 977 hospitals enrolled, 723 (74.0%) responded to our inquiries and reported a total of 439 patients as follows: 244 with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), 117 with multiple sclerosis (MS), 14 with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and 64 with other ADS. We collected and analyzed detailed data from 204 cases, including those with ADEM (66), MS (58), and NMO (10). We observed the following: (1) the estimated annual incidence rate of pediatric ADEM in Japan was 0.40 per 100,000 children (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.46), with the lowest prevalence in the north; (2) the estimated prevalence rate of MS was 0.69 per 100,000 children (95% CI, 0.58-0.80), with the lowest prevalence in the south; (3) NMO in Japan was rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.06 per 100,000 children (95% CI, 0.04-0.08); and (4) the sex ratio and mean age at onset varied by ADS type, and (5) male/female ratios correlated with ages at onset in each ADS group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results clarify the characteristic clinical features of pediatric ADS in the Japanese population.

Semaphorin 3A Induces Odontoblastic Phenotype in Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

In cases of pulp exposure due to deep dental caries or severe traumatic injuries, existing pulp-capping materials have a limited ability to reconstruct dentin-pulp complexes and can result in pulpectomy because of their low potentials to accelerate dental pulp cell activities, such as migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Therefore, the development of more effective therapeutic agents has been anticipated for direct pulp capping. Dental pulp tissues are enriched with dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Here, the authors investigated the effects of semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) on various functions of human DPSCs in vitro and reparative dentin formation in vivo in a rat dental pulp exposure model. Immunofluorescence staining revealed expression of Sema3A and its receptor Nrp1 (neuropilin 1) in rat dental pulp tissue and human DPSC clones. Sema3A induced cell migration, chemotaxis, proliferation, and odontoblastic differentiation of DPSC clones. In addition, Sema3A treatment of DPSC clones increased ß-catenin nuclear accumulation, upregulated expression of the FARP2 gene (FERM, RhoGEF, and pleckstrin domain protein 2), and activated Rac1 in DPSC clones. Furthermore, in the rat dental pulp exposure model, Sema3A promoted reparative dentin formation with dentin tubules and a well-aligned odontoblast-like cell layer at the dental pulp exposure site and with novel reparative dentin almost completely covering pulp tissue at 4 wk after direct pulp capping. These findings suggest that Sema3A could play an important role in dentin regeneration via canonical Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Sema3A might be an alternative agent for direct pulp capping, which requires further study.

Study on the safety and efficacy of miltefosine for the treatment of children and adolescents with post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in Bangladesh, and an association of serum vitamin E and exposure to arsenic with post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis: an open clinical trial and case-control study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a dermatological complication that occurs primarily among treated visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients, and sporadically in a few without a history of VL. It mostly affects children and adolescents but is also common in adults. The conventional treatment with 120 intramuscular injections of sodium stibogluconate (SSG) is phasing out. Miltefosine (MF) is the only eventual alternative to SSG; however, its efficacy and safety profiles for treatment of children and adolescents with PKDL are lacking. In addition, risk factors for PKDL are poorly investigated. Host genetic, nutritional and environmental factors could be potential risk factors. As such, here we propose to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MF for 12 weeks at an allometric dose for children and adolescents with PKDL, and also to explore potential risk factors for PKDL. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A cross-sectional survey will look for suspected participants with PKDL among treated VL children and adolescents, a subsequent open clinical trial with MF at allometric dose, with a follow-up at 12 months. A case-control study will be carried out for PKDL risk factors. Assuming 95% cure rate, 95% CI and α=0.05, a sample size of 73 children with PKDL is needed. Considering an attrition rate of 10%, the final sample size is 80 children in each group. Descriptive and analytical analyses will be performed. Primary outcome is safety and cure rate of 12 weeks of treatment with MF. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) Ethical Review Committee (ERC) approved the protocol (PR#013045). Written informed consent will be taken from all participants and their guardians (in case of minor). A Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) of ICDDR,B ERC will monitor all study activities to ensure the safety of the participants. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02193022; Pre-results.

Mechanical induction of interleukin-11 regulates osteoblastic/cementoblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem/progenitor cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The periodontal ligament (PDL) is continually exposed to mechanical loading caused by mastication or occlusion. Physiological loading is thus considered a key regulator of PDL tissue homeostasis; however, it remains unclear how this occurs. We recently reported that an appropriate magnitude of mechanical stretch can maintain PDL tissue homeostasis via the renin-angiotensin system. In the present study, we investigated the expression of interleukin-11 (IL-11) in human primary PDL cells (HPDLCs) exposed to stretch loading, the contribution of angiotensin II (Ang II) to this event and the effects of IL-11 on osteoblastic/cementoblastic differentiation of human PDL progenitor cells (cell line 1-17). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human primary PDL cells, derived from human tissues, with or without antagonists against the Ang II receptors AT1 or AT2, were subjected to cyclical stretch loading with 8% elongation for 1 h. Expression of IL-11 was measured by ELISA in these cultures and by immunohistochemistry in the sectioned maxillae of rats. The osteoblastic/cementoblastic potential of cell line 1-17 was determined using cell proliferation, gene expression and Alizarin Red staining. RESULTS: Positive staining for IL-11 was observed in the PDL of rat maxillae and in cultures of HPDLCs. In HPDLCs exposed to stretch, expression of the IL11 gene and the IL-11 protein were up-regulated, concomitant with an increase in Ang II and via AT2. Recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11) stimulated an increase in expression of mRNA for the cementoblast-specific marker, CP-23, and for the osteoblastic markers, osteopontin and bone sialoprotein, and promoted proliferation in cell line 1-17. In addition, rhIL-11 also increased the degree of mineralized nodule formation in cell line 1-17 cultures treated with CaCl2 . CONCLUSION: Mechanical loading appears to control proliferation and osteoblastic/cementoblastic differentiation of human PDL stem/progenitor cells through the regulation of Ang II and AT2 by IL-11.

Biomarkers for intracellular pathogens: establishing tools as vaccine and therapeutic endpoints for visceral leishmaniasis.

Visceral leishmaniasis in South Asia is a serious disease affecting children and adults. Acute visceral leishmaniasis develops in only a fraction of those infected individuals, the majority being asymptomatic with the potential to transmit infection and develop disease. We followed 56 individuals characterized as being asymptomatic by seropositivity with rk39 rapid diagnostic test in a hyperendemic district of Bangladesh to define the utility of Leishmania-specific antibodies and DNA in identifying infection. At baseline, 54 of the individuals were seropositive with one or more quantitative antibody assays and antibody levels persisted at follow up. Most seropositive individuals (47/54) tested positive by quantitative PCR at baseline, but only 16 tested positive at follow up. The discrepancies among the different tests may shed light on the dynamics of asymptomatic infections of Leishmania donovani, as well as underscore the need for standard diagnostic tools for active surveillance as well as assessing the effectiveness of prophylactic and therapeutic interventions.

Clinical and radiological features of rotavirus cerebellitis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neurological manifestations, such as benign convulsions and encephalitis/encephalopathy have been reported in patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis. However, cerebellitis has not attracted much attention. The purpose of this study was to identify and report the clinical and radiologic features of rotavirus cerebellitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis exhibiting cerebellar lesions on MR imaging were collected from multiple centers in Japan. Their clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: A diagnosis of acute cerebellitis concurrent with encephalitis was made for 11 of 13 patients identified. Two patients who were diagnosed as having injury due to hypovolemic shock were excluded from the study. All 11 patients with acute cerebellitis had disorders of consciousness with onset on days 2 to 4, followed by mutism in 10 patients. Other cerebellar symptoms included dysarthria following the mutism, hypotonia, ataxia, tremor, nystagmus, and dysmetria. MR imaging lesions in the vermis or cerebellar cortex were seen at some point (day 5 to 1 year) in 10 patients. A reversible splenial lesion (3 isolated and 3 with concurrent cerebellar lesions) was found in 6 patients scanned between days 4 and 6. Transient lesions in the cerebellar white matter/nuclei manifesting reduced diffusion were seen in 6 patients during days 5 through 7. The final MR imaging performed after 1 month showed cerebellar atrophy in 10 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The 11 patients with rotavirus cerebellitis exhibited nearly identical clinical and MR imaging features. Involvement of the cerebellar white matter/nuclei may be associated with the mutism. An isolated splenial lesion with homogeneously reduced diffusion is not always a benign sign indicative of complete clinical and radiologic recovery in patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Strongyloides ratti: implication of mast cell-mediated expulsion through FcepsilonRI-independent mechanisms.

In order to examine whether FcepsilonRI-dependent degranulation of intestinal mast cells is required for expulsion of intestinal nematode Strongyloides ratti, CD45 exon6-deficient (CD45-/-) mice were inoculated with S. ratti. In CD45-/- mice, egg excretion in feces persisted for more than 30 days following S. ratti larvae inoculation, whereas in wild-type (CD45+/+) mice, the eggs completely disappeared by day 20 post-infection. The number of intestinal mucosal mast cells, which are known effector cells for the expulsion of S. ratti, was 75% lower in CD45-/- mice compared with that in CD45+/+ mice. Adoptive transfer of wild-type T cells from CD45+/+ mice into CD45-/- mice reduced the duration of S. ratti infection to comparable levels observed in CD45+/+ mice, with concomitant increases in intestinal mucosal mast cells. These results showed that CD45 is not involved in the effector function of intestinal mucosal mast cells against S. ratti infection. Since FcepsilonRI-dependent degranulation of mast cells is completely impaired in these CD45 knockout mice, we conclude that FcepsilonRI-dependent degranulation is not required in the protective function of intestinal mucosal mast cells against primary infection of S. ratti.

Gender and genetic control of resistance to intestinal amebiasis in inbred mice.

Resistance to the establishment of intestinal Entamoeba histolytica infection is dependent on the inbred mouse strain. In this work we used the inbred strains B6 (resistant), CBA (susceptible), B6CBAF(1) and a backcross of B6CBAF(1) to CBA to further examine the genetic basis of resistance. Mouse genotype was assessed with single nucleotide polymorphism and microsatellite markers and infection assessed by culture 9 days after intracecal E. histolytica challenge. The backcross population showed a male predisposition to culture positivity (P<0.002). F1 genotype at two loci on chromosomes 1 and 2 exhibited suggestive linkage with resistance to infection (P=0.0007 and 0.0200). Additional suggestive quantitative trait locus were observed on chromosomes 1, 9 and 13 for cecal parasite antigen load and histologic evidence of inflammation. Infection in C3H x B6 recombinant inbred mice supported the mapping data. Candidate B6 genes on chromosomes 1 and 2 were examined by microarray analysis of epithelial tissues from B6 vs CBA mice. This work shows a male predisposition to intestinal amebiasis and suggests that relatively few B6 loci can confer resistance in inbred mice. Future identification of regional candidate genes has implications for understanding the human variability to amebic infection.

Novel mutations in Myoclonin1/EFHC1 in sporadic and familial juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) accounts for 3 to 12% of all epilepsies. In 2004, the GENESS Consortium demonstrated four missense mutations in Myoclonin1/EFHC1 of chromosome 6p12.1 segregating in 20% of Hispanic families with JME. OBJECTIVE: To examine what percentage of consecutive JME clinic cases have mutations in Myoclonin1/EFHC1. METHODS: We screened 44 consecutive patients from Mexico and Honduras and 67 patients from Japan using heteroduplex analysis and direct sequencing. RESULTS: We found five novel mutations in transcripts A and B of Myoclonin1/EFHC1. Two novel heterozygous missense mutations (c.755C>A and c.1523C>G) in transcript A occurred in both a singleton from Mexico and another singleton from Japan. A deletion/frameshift (C.789del.AV264fsx280) in transcript B was present in a mother and daughter from Mexico. A nonsense mutation (c.829C>T) in transcript B segregated in four clinically and seven epileptiform-EEG affected members of a large Honduran family. The same nonsense mutation (c.829C>T) occurred as a de novo mutation in a sporadic case. Finally, we found a three-base deletion (-364--362del.GAT) in the promoter region in a family from Japan. CONCLUSION: Nine percent of consecutive juvenile myoclonic epilepsy cases from Mexico and Honduras clinics and 3% of clinic patients from Japan carry mutations in Myoclonin1/EFCH1. These results represent the highest number and percentage of mutations found for a juvenile myoclonic epilepsy causing gene of any population group.

Onecut transcription factor OC2 is a direct target of T-bet in type-1 T-helper cells.

T-box transcription factor, T-bet, has a central role in the differentiation of T-helper (Th) progenitor cells to Th1 or Th2 effector cells, partly by regulating the expression of genes such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). However, the direct target genes, especially those mediating the transcriptional network initiated by T-bet, are not yet fully understood. By combining chromatin immunoprecipitation from Th1 cells with human cytosine-phosphate-guanine-island array analysis, Onecut 2 (OC2), which encodes a member of the ONECUT class of transcriptional activators, was identified as a direct target gene of T-bet. OC2 is expressed in Th1 but not Th2 cells and reporter assays showed that T-bet transactivates OC2 transcription through putative T-bet half-sites locating -451 to -347 of OC2 promoter region. Moreover, we found that OC2 binds and transactivates human T-bet promoter. These results suggest that not only cell-extrinsic regulation via the IFN-gamma/STAT1 pathway, but also cell-intrinsic transcriptional positive feedback loop between T-bet and OC2 could be involved in Th1 development.

Amelioration of human lupus-like phenotypes in MRL/lpr mice by overexpression of interleukin 27 receptor alpha (WSX-1).

OBJECTIVE: In the present work, we investigate the role of interleukin (IL)27/IL27 receptor alpha (Ralpha) (WSX-1) in the development of autoimmune disorders in the MRL/lpr mouse, which is considered as an experimental model of systemic lupus erythaematosus (SLE) in humans. METHODS: We generated two strains of WSX-1 transgenic mice in the MRL/lpr background with different expression levels of WSX-1, and investigated the effect of WSX-1 overexpression on survival, glomerulonephritis and immunological properties. RESULTS: In comparison with wild type (WT) MRL/lpr and transgenic (Tg) low (TgL) mice, Tg high (TgH) mice exhibited a prolonged lifespan and no apparent development of autoimmune nephritis. Production of anti-dsDNA antibody and total IgG and IgG2a were significantly lower in TgH mice than those of TgL and WT mice. The expressed amounts of interferon (IFN)gamma and IL4 mRNA by CD4+ T cells from Tg mice decreased in a dose-dependent fashion. CD4+ splenic lymphocytes in TgH mice were more subject to the IL27-mediated suppression of cytokine production. In vitro stimulation of CD4+ T cells by IL27 resulted in over phosphorylation of STAT3 in TgH cells than in WT cells. CONCLUSION: WSX-1 overexpression in the MRL/lpr background rendered the autoimmune prone mice protected from the development of autoimmune diseases. Our results suggest that IL27 signalling may be a therapeutic target against autoimmune diseases, including human SLE.

The distribution of hereditary erythrocytic disorders associated with malaria, in a lowland area of Nepal: a micro-epidemiological study.

Among four ethnic groups in a lowland area of Nepal, the prevalences of abnormal haemoglobin, thalassaemia, glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, hereditary South-east Asian ovalocytosis (SAO) and Duffy blood-group antigen Fy/Fy were determined and related to each group's habitat. The group that has lived for many decades in a malaria-endemic lowland area, the Danuwar, was found to have a high prevalence of alpha+-thalassaemia (79.4%) and low prevalences of haemoglobin E and G6PD deficiency. Much lower prevalences of alpha+-thalassaemia were observed in the Newar (20.5%), Parbate (16.5%) and Tamang (8.8%), who, until the 1950s, all spent their hot-season nights in malaria-free areas at higher altitudes. No subjects with any other identified abnormal haemoglobin, beta-thalassaemia, SAO or Fy/Fy were detected.

Gene expression of glucose transporter (GLUT) 1, 3 and 4 in bovine follicle and corpus luteum.

Glucose is the main energy substrate in the bovine ovary, and a sufficient supply of it is necessary to sustain the ovarian activity. Glucose cannot permeate the plasma membrane, and its uptake is mediated by a number of glucose transporters (GLUT). In the present study, we investigated the gene expression of GLUT1, 3 and 4 in the bovine follicle and corpus luteum (CL). Ovaries were obtained from Holstein x Japanese Black F1 heifers. Granulosa cells and theca interna layers were harvested from follicles classified into five categories by their physiologic status: follicular size (>or= 8.5 mm: dominant; < 8.5 mm: subordinate), ratio of estradiol (E(2)) to progesterone in follicular fluid (>or= 1: E(2) active;<1: E(2) inactive), and stage of estrous cycle (luteal phase, follicular phase). CL were also classified by the stage of estrous cycle. Expression levels of GLUT1, 3 and 4 mRNA were quantified by a real-time PCR. The mRNA for GLUT1 and 3 were detected in the bovine follicle and CL at comparable levels to those in classic GLUT-expressing organs such as brain and heart. Much lower but appreciable levels of GLUT4 were also detected in these tissues. The gene expression of these GLUT showed tissue- and stage-specific patterns. Despite considerable differences in physiologic conditions, similar levels of GLUT1, 3 and 4 mRNA were expressed in subordinate follicles as well as dominant E(2)-active follicles in both luteal and follicular phases, whereas a notable increase in the gene expression of these GLUT was observed in dominant E(2)-inactive follicles undergoing the atretic process. In these follicles, highly significant negative correlations were observed between the concentrations of glucose in follicular fluid and the levels of GLUT1 and 3 mRNA in granulosa cells, implying that the local glucose environment affects glucose uptake of follicles. These results indicate that GLUT1 and 3 act as major transporters of glucose while GLUT4 may play a supporting role in the bovine follicle and CL.

Analysis of corneal inflammation induced by cauterisation in CCR2 and MCP-1 knockout mice.

AIM: To elucidate the role of CCR2/MCP-1 in corneal inflammation. METHODS: A cauterisation induced corneal inflammation model was used. The corneas were cauterised with silver nitrate in CCR2 knockout (KO) mice, MCP-1 KO mice, and control mice. Clinical signs such as corneal oedema and opacity were examined 96 hours after cauterisation and the phenotypes of the cells infiltrating the cornea were analysed by flow cytometry. Corneal inflammation in neutrophil depleted mice was also analysed. RESULTS: After cauterisation both CCR2 KO and MCP-1 KO mice showed the same levels of corneal oedema and opacity as control mice. Flow cytometry revealed that in control mice most of the infiltrating cells were neutrophils and macrophages, whereas in both CCR2 KO mice and MCP-1 KO mice, the number of macrophages infiltrating the cornea were markedly reduced. However, prominent infiltrates of neutrophils were still observed in the cornea in CCR2 KO mice and MCP-1 KO mice. The depletion of neutrophils significantly reduced the oedema and opacity induced in the cornea by cauterisation. CONCLUSION: The CCR2 and MCP-1 molecules are not essential for cauterisation induced corneal inflammation. Neutrophils, rather than migrated macrophages, are the final effector cells involved in inducing inflammation in this model.